Here in the press room, the Hall of Fame just announced three new members from the pre-integration era: umpire Hank O’Day, Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and 19th Century catcher Deacon White.

They’ll be inducted posthumously on July 28 along with anyone elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Ballots are due Dec. 31, and the announcement is Jan. 9.

I asked Jeff Ideslon, the Hall of Fame president, about a ballot that includes Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa, all with steroid paper trails.

“As a history museum, our job will always be to honor who the writers elect,” Idelson said. “At the end of the day, we’ll be comfortable with the electees because we’re comfortable with the election process and grateful for the writers’ association as an organization, which has been (voting for Hall of Famers) for more than 75 years.”

When I asked about several Hall of Famers who are on record saying players with steroid links don’t belong in Cooperstown, Idelson said, “We have 64 living Hall of Fame members who are all passionate baseball fans and have strong opinions on a plethora of topics.”

Yes, but some have threatened to boycott an induction involving juicers, to which Idelson said, “Guys love coming back. There’s not any one inductee bigger than the game and the honor of being in Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame weekend.”

I’ve looked back on comments made by Hall of Famers on the subject of candidates linked to steroids, and it’s not pretty.

Ryne Sandberg (June 2009): “It’ll be up to the sportswriters to speak loud and clear about that. I don’t see any of those guys getting in.”

Wade Boggs (June 2009): “If you cheat, you don’t fit.”

Jim Rice (July 2009): “I think if they did something wrong to enhance the game of baseball or go against the game of baseball, they shouldn’t be in. That’s just me.”

Reggie Jackson (July 2009): “A lot of Hall of Famers are very offended by this. I am starting to get affected, and I am hoping that those guys that get caught don’t get into the Hall of Fame.”

Jim Bunning (July 2009): “There is no place for cheaters in the Hall of Fame.”

Goose Gossage (April 2010): “As for Bonds and (Mark) McGwire, I don’t believe they belong in the Hall of Fame.”

Hank Aaron (January 2011): “My feeling has always been the same – the game of baseball has no place for cheaters. There’s no place in the Hall of Fame for people who cheat.”

In July, Jackson was quoted in Sports Illustrated saying, “If any of those guys get in, no Hall of Famer will attend.”